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Treating Acne, Scars, and Wrinkles With a TCA Trichloroacetic Acid Skin Peel |
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Everyone has heard of skin peels and there are many - lactic,
glycolic, salicylic, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), and phenol. Of
these there are basically 3 levels: Minor, superficial peels -
lactic, glycolic, salicylic. Medium depth peels - TCA, Jessner's
Deep peels - phenol.
We will only deal with medium strength TCA peels here as they
are the easiest to apply (Jessner's can require multiple
concurrent applications and taping to aide in skin penetration),
safest, and, by far, the most effective against numerous skin
ailments/conditions. They are also one of the most effective
treatments for acne currently known to the medical community.
The most common treated area is the face. TCA is applied usually
in a cream. Doctors will mix Obagi, Apeel, or other previously
prepared cream with TCA and then apply this mixture to the face
or body area to be treated. The creams tend to have a skin dye
of green or blue so the doctor can easily see what areas have
and or have not been treated. It is usually applied with a
cotton or foam applicator. This is then left on for 10-20
minutes. Some doctors prefer to use a straight |
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(non-cream)
solution of TCA. This works much faster and penetrates deeper
and is used for deeper peels.
After application and proper time for the desired depth is
achieved, the doctor will apply a neutralizer. This is usually
just a mixture of baking soda and water made into a paste. Some
doctors will add chipped ice to further cool the skin. The skin
will now be inflammed and if no dye was used will look like a
bad sunburn. This will last 2-4 days until it starts to peel off
and reveal new, clean, younger looking skin. Depending on the
skin problems treated it may take several treatments, but a
major difference will be seen immediately.
The results from a TCA peel are far more reaching than with a
regular, superficial peel. Results can last 6 months to a year
and it has been known to keep acne at bay, shrink and lessen
acne scars, reduce and tighten up wrinkles, improve color,
pigmentation, etc... A TCA peel cannot be applied as often as a
more superficial peel. Generally speaking, a superficial peel
can be applied every 2-5 weeks. A Stronger, medium depth peel
needs more time batween peels for the skin to properly heal |
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Untitled Document
Global warming, decreasing ozone layer, exposure to multiple chemicals and cosmetics, faulty lifestyles and wrong eating habits, invasive fashions and the changing human behavioural patterns has lead to multiple skin problems from minor to those of major life threatening ones.
We've all wished for a magic potion to make acne disappear. The unfortunately reality is that there is no single proven method of curing acne. There are several underlying factors that contribute to an acne breakout.
Everyone is susceptible to developing zits, thus the market for acne products is definitely huge. There will never be a lack in interested buyers who are willing to try on new products like creams, ointments, and lotions, among others.
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